No point in crying over the spilt milk: PCB

Islamabad:After days of soul-searching, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come to the conclusion that lack of cohesion and spirit were responsible for its team's defeat in the recent Test series against India.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said he understood the futility of crying over "spilt milk" but it was vital nevertheless to look into the performance of the team in view of future tournaments, especially the 2007 World Cup.

"I don't want to take names here. And I don't want to cry over spilt milk. But we have to look towards the future, towards building a strong team for the 2007 World Cup," he said at a seminar organised by the 'Jung' forum.

"But yes, when I met the players individually in Lahore and Karachi, I got the distinct impression that cohesion and spirit were missing in the team after the One-day series," Shaharyar was quoted as saying in local daily The News.

The PCB chief, however, spoke in defence of captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and coach Javed Miandad.

"Inzamam is the best man for captaincy that we have at present, given his position and standing in the team. I think we fought brilliantly in the One-day series but for some reasons we fell away in the Test matches and it all went wrong in the final Test.

"In contrast, India was a more united and combined side. They are lucky to have a core of experienced and quality professionals in the team who perform consistently and guide the youngsters. So their victory was not a big surprise in a way," he said.

But Shaharyar said the one big positive had been that "we have decided that in future only that player who is willing to perform for the team and not himself.... Someone who puts his team before everything else, will be picked.

"Players who are mentally strong and committed and willing to learn would be selected. Reputations are not going to count at all."

Asked how Shoaib Akhtar could play for Durham when the medical commission has advised him rest, Shaharyar said Shoaib had told him he that had taken enough rest for his injury.

"I don't think we should jump to conclusions. But as per the recommendations of our medical commission, we have told Shoaib to have another bone scan of his stress injury in England soon to ensure his injury is not serious," he said.

In the same breath, the PCB chief said Shoaib or any other player should not expect any preferential treatment from the Board as there would be no compromise on discipline.